William Hill Formby Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Dual bumper winner who made the perfect start over hurdles when winning Wincanton novice (15.2f) in October and looked potentially useful when following up at Ascot (15.7f, good to soft) 34 days ago. Enters calculations.

Landed the odds at Ayr on hurdles bow in October and improved in both outings since, most recently when winning 4-runner novice at Cheltenham (16.8f, good to soft) 13 days ago, impressively. Likely has more to give yet.

Made a very promising start to his career in bumpers in the spring, winning convincingly at Warwick before an excellent third in Grade 2 at this course in April. Posted encouraging second in Newbury maiden (16.3f) on hurdles debut last month but takes on much better company here.

Found only one too good all 3 starts in bumpers last season and perfect start in this sphere when winning novice at Carlisle (17.2f) in October. Followed up in impressive style at Bangor (16.7f, soft) last month and is well worth his place in this higher grade.

Only narrowly failed to land a course bumper on NH debut in May and has won both his starts over timber, latest when forging clear in 11-runner novice at Kempton (16f, good to soft) 31 days ago. Asked a bigger question now but it's likely we haven't seen the best of him yet.

Runner-up only outing in points and unbeaten all 4 starts under Rules, finding further improvement when taking 5-runner Hyde Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham (21f, good to soft) 41 days ago. Sets the standard on form and remains open to further progress.

Successful in all 3 starts over hurdles and has found improvement on each outing, latest when landing Newton Novices' Hurdle at Haydock (15.6f, soft) 33 days ago by 3 lengths from Country Mile. Remains with potential.